The Truth Matters

The breaking of numerous scandals around the Obama presidency this weeks reminds us of a fundamental principle: The truth matters

Often in politics it is asserted that the truth does not matter. On the contrary, it is primarily truth that matters in the long run.

Previous to this week’s congressional testimony about Benghazi, the situation was clouded by confusion and spin. The president’s friends in the media could maintain plausible deniability and paint those who questioned the administrations actions as “conspiracy kooks.”

But then the witnesses who were there on the ground when it happened sat calmly in a committee hearing room and simply spoke about what they saw, heard and did that night.

It took a few days but the simple presentation of key facts has penetrated the fog of spin and obfuscation in a way that mere suspicions and questions could not. I don’t think it is a coincidence now that multiple scandals are breaking free in Washington. We have learned that the IRS was harassing political groups that disagree with the president, that the Attorney General was wiretapping the Associated Press, and perhaps the EPA is playing favorites as well.

Now that the armor has been cracked, it is a little more acceptable to stand up and speak against the president and his administration. It is a little more acceptable to question him.

Congress should continue with more hearings on these issues. They should ask simple questions and let the witnesses answer.